At long last, Marlon Moraes ready to win a title at WSOF 9

After four appearances in the WSOF, the promotion’s most successful bantamweight, Marlon Moraes, is finally fighting for a title.

“I keep on living my dream,” Moraes told MMAjunkie. “It was always a dream of mine to be here. Now my dream is reality.

“I know that our hardest fights are fought in the academy. I’m here to entertain the fans of the sport and to show to everyone that I can be even better than before. This is a work of love. March 29 will be simply another fight, and I’ll be prepared for it.”

On Saturday, Moraes (12-4-1) meets Josh Rettinghouse (10-2) to see who becomes WSOF’s first bantamweight titleholder. The bout co-headlines WSOF 9, which takes place at Las Vegas’ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The event’s main card, including the 135-pound championship bout, airs live on NBC Sports Network following prelims on MMAjunkie.

Rettinghouse comes into the title fight with one previous WSOF appearance, a decision victory over Bellator vet Alexis Vila. Despite his relative newness with the promotion, he carries a three-fight winning streak.

“I think that Josh, as well as other fighters, are all suited to fight for the belt,” Moraes said. “That’s because there have been very few WSOF cards. But he’s one of the better fighters. He’s young with great potential. This is his chance, just like it’s my chance. We both want the same thing. Whoever is best prepared will come out the winner.”

Moraes certainly has more of a chance to acclimate himself to the NBC Sports Network-televised promotion, which is still building out a roster of champions as it tries to gain traction with MMA fans. Although the 25-year-old Brazilian, who trained for the fight in New Jersey with former UFC champ Frankie Edgar, isn’t sure how many fights he has left on his contract with the promotion, he believes he will be kept busy.

“I’m not sure about my contract situation,” Moraes said. “I can only say that I’m very happy right now. But no one knows what will happen in the future. But I am confident that WSOF will support me if another good opportunity comes my way.”

For now, Moraes will look to cement his reputation as one of the sport’s hottest up-and-comers.

“I’m not too concerned about [Rettinghouse],” he said. “I’m concerned about what I’ll do. I’m fighting MMA, and I’ll impose my game, regardless of whether it hits the ground or we keep it standing. I’ll be looking to fight at my own rhythm for all five rounds. My preference is to win by KO, but in MMA anything can happen. I just see my arm raised at the end.”

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